But now we move onto Derren's next project -- another season of Trick or Treat. It is scheduled to begin on Channel 4 April 13, 2008. As we know from experience, such dates are subject to change.

Also, Derren's official site announced today that his stage show, "Something Wicked This Way Comes" will be released on DVD April 21, 2008. It will include segments of the show not included in the original TV broadcast, as well as the usual DVD interviews and other features.

The DVD is already available for pre-order at Amazon.co.uk, and DB's site includes the enticing tagline:

"Go and buy, you need this in your life!"

I suspect that sentence is loaded with subliminal messages. If you find yourself unconsciously ordering the DVD at Amazon, you'll know why.

I have read about Pam's claims. In his book, Tricks of the Mind, Derren acknowledges that at least one "fan" has accused him of rape.

To the best of my knowledge, Derren has never been tried for any crime.

Based on everything I know about Derren, it is easier for me to believe that a fan has fabricated a story about him than that he would have committed the serious crime in question. Of course I have no way of knowing the truth in this matter.

I was shortlisted for Trick or Treat 2 but unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, didn’t hear anymore.

Last year I spotted an advertisement in the London Lite asking people to visit http://www.trickortreat2.com/ if they were interested in being in the next series of Trick or Treat. I answered all the questions and sent a video. After a week or so I was invited to an informal audition session.

I didn’t know what to expect but for some strange reason before this audition session I also received a black envelope with my name and address written with a gold paint pen. Inside the envelope was a red card with Derren’s devilish profile printed in black with the words ‘You are being considered’ on the reverse.

At the audition there were around 70 other people, photo’s were taken and forms were filled in before being asked to enter a hall where there were lines of seats set out like an examination room.

The producer form Objective Productions, Simon I think, introduced himself and gave a brief explanation about what would happen next. I’m no sure if it was intentional, but up until that point there was no indication that Derren would actually be there. Then all of a sudden Derren was introduced as he popped out of a side door next to the stage.

Derren explained that he would go through various hypnosis tests and that we should be honest with our responses. People would not be picked based on how often they responded to the hypnosis tests and if we faked it we wouldn’t be doing ourselves any favours.

If people didn’t respond to a test they were asked to sit to one side of the hall. Eventually there were around 12 people left and it ended with two guys who were made to forget the number 7.

It was a very enjoyable evening but I must admit I felt a bit odd during the next day. I haven’t been hypnotised before and would say I wouldn’t like to be again.

I was told a few weeks later I was shortlisted but wouldn’t here any more due to the nature of the programme. Being that the timescale was up to the end of February I guess I’ve not been picked. A relief to be honest…